Automation Technician

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

The Technical Ceramics business of Morgan Advanced Materials engineers high performance functional and structural ceramic materials, components and sub-assemblies to address customer-specific technical challenges.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,112m (2022), ~8,500 employees, manufacturing in 30+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

Job Purpose:

The Automation Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Supervisor. The role is an exciting opportunity to join a global, dynamic, Hi-Tech team, supporting the medical and aerospace industries.  We are the industry leader in development and manufacturer of ceramic to metal seals for both Aerospace and Medical markets.  We help improve the quality of life with our implantable medical components, and we ensure the safety of travelers by developing multiple components for the Aerospace industry. 

Essential Functions:

• Perform various tasks as assigned by Maintenance Supervisor.
• Operate and maintain new technology equipment, including but not limited to automation equipment, multiple handling robots, etc.
• Document and report on highly automated equipment measurables (Downtime, Scrap).
• Troubleshoot problem areas and concerns for material and equipment.
• Respond to and find solutions for production issues, liaise with other internal departments as necessary.
• Ensure minimum downtime of production equipment with a responsibility for maintenance of spare / wear parts.
• Initiate and participate in continuous improvement activities to optimize equipment and processes.
• Communicate effectively within the team and with outside vendors as necessary.
• Follow escalation procedure to ensure fast response.
• Execute/maintain work instructions from maintenance department for task & preventative maintenance schedules.
• Perform production floor support/troubleshooting of production equipment.
• Escalate issues when necessary to Engineering and Management.
• Work with equipment vendors to procure/maintain/troubleshoot equipment.
• Develop/update equipment documentation (MI’s, methods, equipment drawings, preventative maintenance, calibration scheme, etc.)
• Implement automation changes to improve existing manufacturing processes.
• Investigate and correct problems involving the manufacturing processes and equipment, which adversely affect the process results.
• Support the execution of experiments to identify solutions for new manufacturing processes.
• Assist in the installation and validation of new manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Collect and analyze relevant process data to aid in changes which improve the manufacturing processes.
• Train operators on operation of automation equipment.
• Perform other work as assigned by Maintenance Supervisor.
• Drafts detail drawing or sketch to request parts/tooling fabrication by machine shop/maintenance or outside vendors.
• Records test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test method.
• Assist engineers to troubleshoot product yield problems.
• Participates in ongoing training with new automation equipment.
• Provides technical support to Automation Operators, Technicians, and Engineering.
• Must maintain clean working environment/ equipment.
• Must be able to receive and respond to requests that are given verbally/ written.
• Possess good organizational skills.
• Possess good communication skills verbal and written.
• Competent in meeting deadlines and schedules.
• Conduct all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal EHS regulations and with Morgan New Bedford, MA EHS Guidelines. Guidelines include but not limited to participation in required EHS training and use of proper PPE. Employees are responsible for reporting hazardous conditions and job-related injuries or illnesses to their supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Associate degree in electrical controls/engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• PLC programming experience is essential.
• Knowledge of CAD applications and engineering drawing interpretation. Required ability to coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Must have familiarity with Microsoft Office products or equivalents.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Mechanically inclined and experience with automated assembly processes and knowledge of robotics & mechanicals, fluid power, and a basic understanding of electronics.
• Able to read and communicate work instructions; read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Sound reasoning skills; Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position requires use of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
• Individual must be a:
  • Citizen of the United States, or
  • Permanent resident alien of the United States, or
  • Protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) as defined by 22CFR120.15

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to carry out written, oral, or diagram form instructions.
• Basic math skills.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Required to talk or hear
• Required to pass eye tests
• Required to stand, walk, and sit
• Required to use finger, handle, feel & reach with hands & arms
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs
• Vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, and toxic caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description does not state or imply that all duties to be performed are specifically identified above. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested or instructed by an authorized person of the Company. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.